These simple and organic pomegranate vessels have long caught our eye. But we're slightly embarassed to admit that we only recently discovered who is behind these hand-thrown lovelies: Whitney Smith.
After perusing the Bay Area artist's assortment of ceramicware — including plates, pitchers, cake stands and vases — we found ourselves most captivated by her collection of bowls.
The 6" bowl adorned with a trio of sculpted birds is $62. And now through June 15, an 8" version with four birds, is offered at the same price on Smith's website. (It's regularly $78.)
The wheel-thrown poppy bowl — which comes in red, yellow or white — would perk up any table. Measuring 10" in diameter, it's priced at $158; it can also be custom-made in other sizes.
The five-piece nesting bowl set, available in several colors, is $210. We would definitely store these lotus bowls out in the open, so we can admire them at all times.
Smith picked up her pottery skills at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz. Although she later studied anthropology at UCSC, she continued to hone her craft in a studio in her garage.
In 2000, she decided to devote herself full-time to ceramics. Her time spent working with a floral designer appears to have influenced her designs — which often feature blooms such as orchids, poppies and dogwood.
You can buy pieces right on her website. Or, locally, check them out in person at Urban Mercantile, Artist-Xchange, Good Sage and High Cotton Living.
Top image: Urban Mercantile
All other images: Whitney Smith Pottery
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I live down the street from her studio, and she makes some really great stuff. She has open studios about twice a year. Really gorgeous cake stands, too, but they're a bit rich for my blood.
view kroqin's profile
That can happen when your used to buying work that was made by the thousands in china...I first saw Whitney's work in the movie The Bee Season right behind Juliete Binoche, and now own a group of pods and pomegranites. They are gorgeous. I had fuzzy green magnolia buds and pussy willows in the pods and the effect of botanica in botanica was wonderful. I like to collect work that is hard to come by and makes my home really unique, and this fits the bill.
view anonymouse's profile
oh you can get her work right off her web-site now too.http://www.whitneysmithpottery.com/home.html
view anonymouse's profile
We've been selling these little goodies for almost six years (among lots of other shapes and colors Whitney will do exclusively for us). And our customers are still falling in love with them. Price is never an obstacle for people who appreciate hand-crafted quality. We love Whitney! And we're happy AT finally discovered her lovely vessels.
Bradley
co-owner
egg & the urban mercantile
AT: you should consider contacting the sources for your images before publishing them without permission.
view booradley's profile